< 04Molly > ~As it turns out, work prevented him from returning that day, and the next she was in Tawstock all day. Early thursday morning, she goes up to the cottage to look for him. the weather is misty, but not raining, though the threat of it is there~ * Molly opens the door with a key she wears on a chain, and slips in quietl < 04Molly > Morgan? < 08@Morgan > I'm in the kitchen * Molly goes in with a smile < 04Molly > Good morning, dear heart < 08@Morgan > you look well * Molly grins < 04Molly > Thank you. You, as always, are a beauty to behold < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps your eyes are beginning to fail * Molly goes to him, and kisses his cheek < 04Molly > Not in the least < 08@Morgan > I think you're wrong... how did things go in Tawstock? * Molly suddenly looks very unsure of herself < 04Molly > Morgn, how busy are you today? < 08@Morgan > as far as I'm aware, not very * Molly bites her lip < 04Molly > I need to speak with you, but I do not want to speak of it upon the estate. If you possibly can, I want... I need you to come with me down to the town, so we can speak away from here. Please? * Molly 's eyes a full of a pleading sadness < 08@Morgan > of course blossom, if you need me to * Molly nods her head, and it takes a moment for her to speak < 04Molly > Thank you, I appreciate it more than I can say. When might we leave? < 08@Morgan > now, if needs must * Molly smiles softly, though doesnt meet his eyes. < 04Molly > Please, I would not wish to draw this out * @Morgan stands and gets his coat * Molly goes to the door, almost pacing < 08@Morgan > ready when you are blossom * Molly opens the door, going outside, where it is starting to drizzle. They start to walk down the way towards the school house < 04Molly > Once we are off the estate, I shall say what I must... * Molly 's eyes are sad, nervous, her tension most visible in them * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I shall not pursue it then * Molly walks quietly, eyes downcast until they are past the fence that marks the estate from the village outskirts. She doesnt look up as she speaks, her voice tense < 04Molly > I have done something... something I am afraid will make you remove your affections from me < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly flicks her eyes to him < 04Molly > I met a man in Tawstock yesterday < 08@Morgan > right... * @Morgan 's voice grows quiet < 04Molly > Oh gods, Morgan, I think perhaps I have done something very stupid * Molly sighs heavily, and the drizzle begins < 08@Morgan > I would, were I in your position, speak very plainly and quickly... there is a great deal of room for misunderstandings here * Molly nods < 04Molly > This man, I do not know his name, made me an offer, one that I thought might solve my current problems, and I accepted, though I know think I should not have, and it was dangerous, and stupid, and you might hate me for doing something without proper consideration, but it seemed like a good solution, and... * Molly bursts in to tears < 08@Morgan > it isn't time for histrionics Molly... what was the offer? * Molly looks around before speaking quietly < 04Molly > He offered me a sum of moneyy, to cover my debt with Kai, if I were to look for something, and inform him if I found it, bu not tell anyone < 08@Morgan > to cover your debt to Kai... * Molly nods < 04Molly > his initial proposition was for the sum to cover it... after negotiation, it became two thosand guilder now, and two thousand eight hundred were this thing kept safe until he could collect it. If I fail to find it, or it gets destroyed, I can keep the two thousand but will receive no more, and never hear from him again < 08@Morgan > what is it he wants you to find? < 04Molly > You would not breathe mention of it to another soul? < 08@Morgan > you put me in an awkward situation... what if it causes problems for Lady Torrington? * Molly looks at the floor < 04Molly > Then I ought to tell you no more of it < 08@Morgan > I rather think you must < 04Molly > It is a spirit... Supposedly, it was at the monestary, and is following one of the guests. This man and his college aim to capture it and remove it. They have also contacted others to keep an eye upon the guests not expected here < 08@Morgan > a spirit... perhaps one going around whispering things into peoples ears < 04Molly > Oh yes, I had forgotten about that... Aye, I would say that might be quite likely * Molly pulls her cloak a little tighter against the drizzle < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > I wish I had not accpeted now... But I thought it would solve the problem with Kai... keep me from prison and tarnishing the reputations of all those who associate with me < 08@Morgan > you would not have gone to prison... I would not have allowed it < 04Molly > I am not sure there could have been a way to prevent it... and certainly without bringing shame upon yourself < 08@Morgan > I would have paid him if need be... or just plain killed him < 04Molly > Morgan, I... I could never have asked you to pay him, it would shame me to do so... < 08@Morgan > you'd need not ask... though I still say he should be contested. * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > He is too strong, too determined... and once the judgement was made, either for or against him, I could never guarantee he would not retaliate < 08@Morgan > he would not have had chance * Molly smiles sadly < 04Molly > I wish I were as certain < 08@Morgan > you dont need to be < 08@Morgan > though i suspect there is nothing I could say that would change your mind * Molly looks at him, eyes soft < 04Molly > I need this resolved now, I can not bear it to be continued. The life I hope to have does not involve the Colonel, or his invoice, or any further connection with him bar the same courtly acquaintance I would have with any other noble man < 08@Morgan > I understand... I dont agree, but I understand < 04Molly > Truly, I should have come to you, and begged on my knees for the money, no matter what it would cost my heart to do so * Molly bites her lip, hands in her pockets Session Time: Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 2009 < 08@Morgan > there was no need to ask... in truth, I've already started making arrangements to gather the money needed to be rid of him * Molly stops, cheeks red < 04Molly > You had? < 04Molly > Oh what a fool am I! < 08@Morgan > I could not allow him to disrupt our lives so * Molly bites her lip, looking at him < 04Molly > Then you understand why I have done what I have? < 08@Morgan > as I said, I understand * Molly smiles, and her heart is clearly much lighter < 04Molly > Thank you, that means far more to me than you could know. I know it was foolish < 08@Morgan > that it was * Molly sighs softly, looking at him < 04Molly > I shall understand if i lessens your estimate and regard of me < 08@Morgan > I'm disappointed, that I will not deny * Molly suddenly looks away, and nods < 04Molly > I understand < 04Molly > Does this... will this change things, between us? * Molly 's voice is strained < 08@Morgan > no, I think not < 08@Morgan > but no more subversive agreements, blossom < 04Molly > You have my most solemn promise. < 04Molly > I am deeply sorry * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > lets bend our efforts to finding this damned spirit * Molly nods < 04Molly > If it is following one of the guests who is coming here, I should imagine it will not be difficult to find. I was told that whomever *she pauses* _it_ is following will be experiencing nightmares of being trapped or chassed in the dark * @Morgan sniffs < 08@Morgan > well then, thats not me < 04Molly > Mine have been .... odd... I suspect I ought to not wear the pendant to bed < 08@Morgan > most likely true < 04Molly > I might be better to wear noth... *she blushes* I meant... I ought to not wear the pendant * @Morgan coughs < 08@Morgan > quite so * Molly looks around her, now almost at the village < 04Molly > I hope that I shall never encounter the spirit, and we shall not need to speak on it again. < 08@Morgan > and the chances of that are... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > possible... there is no Don, Inigo, Maria, her maid, no friend of the Don, no Lieutenant... It cannot be Lord Torrington as he was not there, Lord Jaeger has passed on.. < 08@Morgan > Kai, Rebecca... Sigfried, Jennabe... < 04Molly > I was assured it has not been in Avalon before, and possibly will not leave Castille... though I would imagine it might be wise to enquiry upon the nightmares of those present < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly allows her step to change so she walks a little closer < 04Molly > Do you remember much about it from the monestary? < 08@Morgan > the spirit? < 04Molly > aye < 08@Morgan > not a great deal... I remember it spoke to me, though * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > I do not recall it speaking to me at all, though I do recall having an odd vision < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > Aye, I was queen of Avalon if I correctly recall < 08@Morgan > oh, I think I remember you telling me < 04Molly > very strange indeed. Might I ask what it said to you? < 08@Morgan > something along the lines of "misbeggoten son" * Molly drops her eyes, brow wrinkled. < 04Molly > It may not come < 08@Morgan > because we're just that lucky < 04Molly > True I suppose. All I can do is try to get word immediately to this man in Carleon, whereupon he can come to collect it and rid the house of it. < 08@Morgan > good < 08@Morgan > for the time being I wont discuss this with anyone * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > I understand that is how it must be, though truly, it would be safer for this to be our secret, for I can not say for certain what will happen if it is found that I have broken the promise to keep it secret < 08@Morgan > then we'd better both hope that it does not become an issue for the safety of Lady Torrington < 04Molly > If it looks like it might, I shall remove the problem from the house * Molly 's voce is flat, neutral < 08@Morgan > we'll manage the situation somehow * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > If I must leave, I shall < 08@Morgan > you most certainly will not < 04Molly > if it becomes necessary to protect her ladyship, to protect you all, I can do nothing else. I would not have you all injured, or worse, for my error < 08@Morgan > if it becomes a danger, then I shall deal with it * Molly looks as if she is going to speak, before obviously changing her mind < 04Molly > If that is your will, I shall abide by it * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > you have something you wanted tos ay? * Molly looks unsure < 04Molly > I... ummm... *she sighs softly* That I would not have you risk your life for me < 08@Morgan > 'tis my life to risk as I please < 04Molly > I couldn't... I wouldn't... *she looks away* I am not worth such < 08@Morgan > that is not for you to decide * Molly looks thoughtful, and walks quietly < 04Molly > We are nearly at the village, did you wish to stop here? < 08@Morgan > your choice. I could quite happily carry on. I need to see the smithy at some point < 04Molly > I need to go to teach my mother a little, and I would like you to come with me, not as... she would not need to know, but I would like you to meet her, I think you would like her. But if you do not wish to, I understand < 08@Morgan > thats fine blossom * Molly smiles brightly, the first time she has all morning < 04Molly > Oh that is wonderful! My father will not be there *she laughs* It is a game between he and I, I believe < 08@Morgan > I cant say I'm disappointed that he is not < 04Molly > No? < 08@Morgan > no... I think theremight be some... tension when he and I meet again < 04Molly > He tends to avoid the house on a thursday... He knows I shall be there, and teaching my mother. He does not approve, and thus makes himself scarce. On the rare occasion I have seen him on these days, we pretend I am merely visiting < 08@Morgan > I see... < 04Molly > You do not approve? < 08@Morgan > no, I don't < 04Molly > How so, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > if someone wishes to better themselves, then they should be encouraged. Any man who wishes his wife be kept ignorant and subservient deserves nothing but contempt * Molly nods < 04Molly > It is a fairly common believe amongst the lower classes in Avalon < 08@Morgan > no doubt * Molly smiles softly, as they walk around the outtside of the village towards Sunnymeade < 04Molly > It must be nice to be raised in a world where women are valued for things other than keeping home and having children < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I rather liked the idea myself, but that does not mean she should be so dependant on her husband as to need him to read for her. She should raise children ad keep home as a choice, not because someone dictates that she's supposed to < 04Molly > I agree completely. I do not see such a life as a burden, but being told that is to be your only function... < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > I grew up with that... tis not so surprising that I have rebeled * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > no, hardly surprising at all * Molly goes quiet a moment < 04Molly > I believe my mother may remember your Avalon name... < 08@Morgan > if her mind is half as quick as yours, I suspect she'll remember everything I've said to her * Molly nods, eyes sad < 04Molly > I doubt she would have said much in his presence < 08@Morgan > no, that sounds about right < 04Molly > she is different when he isnt there < 08@Morgan > I've no doubt < 04Molly > I oft wonder how they met, but I've never dared ask < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > much as he controls her, they seem to love each other. To discover that I had grown up believing it to be what love is, nd now discover that it is not so would be difficult < 08@Morgan > understandable I suppose * Molly walks on quietly, joining the road that leads to Tawstock that the farm is on. < 04Molly > It is a shame the weather has not been better < 08@Morgan > I seem to recall it has been this way since I came here < 04Molly > i find it tends to be like this far more when ou are away... or perhaps I just notice it more * Molly blushes < 08@Morgan > thats more likely to be the explanation, I think * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > Still, it merely adds to my unhappiness... though hopefully you will not need to travel without me any longer < 08@Morgan > I dont think so, no < 08@Morgan > barring, of course, my trip to see Mr. Lopesh * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > You are going to Londinium? < 08@Morgan > I am * Molly stays neutral < 04Molly > when will youu be leaving? < 08@Morgan > in a few days I think < 04Molly > it may be better to wait until you return before moving to the cottage? < 08@Morgan > thats up to you. I would not begrudge you moving in in the meantime though... it would be nice were my first night there also to be yours * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I would have it no other way < 04Molly > when do you anicipate your return? < 08@Morgan > I dont exactly know. I intend to spend no more time than absolutely necessary there * Molly nods < 04Molly > I am pleased to hear such... I know I shall miss you greatly < 08@Morgan > and I you, blossom * Molly smiles, going through the gate of her family's farm. It is neat and tidy, though nothing has changed there. < 04Molly > Part of me is still nervous, coming back here... < 08@Morgan > oh? whyso? < 04Molly > I suppose I remember leaving too keenly... * Molly walks down towards the door of the farmhouse < 08@Morgan > a fair reason I suppose * Molly knocks, and then smiles softly at him. she quickly squeezes his hand before letting go < 04Molly > We will not stay too long... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > ~the door is opened by a maid, who shows them in to the living room. Molly's mother stands, and embraces Molly tightly. < 04Molly > Martha: Oh my girl, it is good to see you... * @Morgan stands just inside the door to the room < 04Molly > ~she does bear a resemblance to Molly, though it is clear that her normal reserve taks a toll on her, for her eyes bear a weariness. Letting Molly go, she smiles. Molly turns, and looks to Morgan, encouraging him to enter with a smile < 04Molly > Mama, you remember Master Morgan, do you not? < 04Molly > Martha: Of course, please, do come in and make yourself comfortable. Molly, make the tea please. * Molly immediately does as she's told * @Morgan inclines his head and moves to a chair < 04Molly > ~Martha goes over to him, and speaks quietly. Molly looks briefly at Morgan before looking away are making the tea, knowing her mother will be angry if she eavesdrops < 04Molly > Martha: I hope that I might speak briefly with you, and openly. My daughter is not one who will remain out of a conversation long *she smiles the indulgent smile of a doting mother* < 08@Morgan > she certainly has a knack for becoming embroiled in them < 04Molly > ~Martha nods < 04Molly > I wished to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking her in when... when she had to leave here. It brought me great comfort to know ehere she was, and that she was safe... < 08@Morgan > in truth, it was not entirely my choice... but she worked hard and made herself more or less indespensible < 04Molly > She is a good girl... she is my only daughter, and I waited many many years for her *she smiles* I also wished to thank you for your part in returning her to me < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > She told me that the letter that came that broke her father's hard resolve was thanks to you < 08@Morgan > it needed to be done... she means a great deal to me, and I would not have her miss such an opportunity to improve her future < 04Molly > It is very much a shame, the way things happened between her and the gentleman she was to marry... I would like to have seen her settled * Molly brings over the tea < 04Molly > Here, Mama, Morgan... * Molly sits herself down, looking at her mother over the rim of her cup < 04Molly > Have I missed anything? < 08@Morgan > thank you < 04Molly > Martha: Oh no, I was simply telling Master Morgan how fondly you speak of him *her eyes sparkle and she smiles, instantly looking much younger. its in this humour that the likeness can be seen* * Molly goes bright red, and looks imploringly at Morgan < 04Molly > I haven't.. I didn't... I do not speak of you that often! * @Morgan chuckles quietly < 04Molly > ~Martha goes to Molly, and kisses her crown~ Oh Moll, calm yourself, you silly thing, I meant nothing by it my darling < 08@Morgan > I undersdtand that Molly has been teaching you? < 04Molly > Martha: Yes, she is a wonderful teacher. I think she could make a good living from it < 04Molly > Mama is a good and easy pupil, truly Morgan, she could teach herself! < 08@Morgan > I see where your quick mind comes from then < 04Molly > ~Martha sits down, and sips her tea... and a small flush comes to her cheeks < 04Molly > Martha: I more think Molly gets her intelligence from her father < 08@Morgan > I'm rather inclined to think otherwise < 04Molly > Martha: Well, thank you, it is lovely to be complimented * Molly sips her tea, watching them < 04Molly > Master Morgan, it is very kind of you to escort Molly to see me < 08@Morgan > its no trouble... in all honesty I quite enjoy her company * Molly grins, and Martha smiles also < 04Molly > Martha: I am pleased to know she is spending time in your company rather than of those ruthless Eisen men who've been in the village recently! < 04Molly > Mama! < 08@Morgan > I think the ruthlessness is mostly contained to their colonel * Molly looks at her mother < 04Molly > Martha: And what an awful man I hear he is, why honestly, the way he has treated my beautiful Moll! * Molly puts her cup down, sighing heavily < 04Molly > Mama, please, you make me sound so helpless! < 08@Morgan > it is quite disgusting I agree... the men of Eisen are supposed to be honourable... he shames that very concept < 04Molly > Martha: I hear little honour in his behaviour. Moll, if you have any sense, you will keep a wide berth... I still believe he sank that beautiful ship of yours < 04Molly > Now Mama, that is an awful thing to say... people died! * @Morgan speaks quietly < 08@Morgan > I do not believe he sank the ship < 04Molly > ~they both look at him < 04Molly > Martha: I think that if a woman owns something that a man wants, and he can not have, he may well take it by force, or prevent anyone else from having it... *strangely, she smiles wryly at this, and touches her lower lip, a very molly like gesture* * Molly watches her mother with an expression of puzzlement < 08@Morgan > for the most part, you're right... I think his nature tends to lean toward the first < 04Molly > ~martha nods at Morgan < 04Molly > I would have expected him to propose marriage, or at least make her his mistress to get the ship, rather than destroying it... Men like he seem to use such tactics *she subconciously looks at the door a moment as if expecting someone to be there* * Molly rolls her eyes < 04Molly > Honestly Mama, I do sometimes wonder where these strange notions come from! < 08@Morgan > I happen to agree, actually < 04Molly > ~martha studies her daughter a moment * Molly looks to Morgan < 04Molly > You do? < 08@Morgan > take this nonsense with the bill... I think, had the ship not been sunk, he would have pursued the full amount mercilessly until the point where he offers to take you as his mistress and takes control of the ship * Molly speaks quietly < 04Molly > I would have given him the hip completely rather than the other option < 04Molly > Martha: Good, I should think so! It never does to get inolved with a man like that, especially when you would end up with many unacknowledge children no doubt! Goodness, what would your father say?! * Molly looks at tthe floor, cheeks red < 04Molly > I...ummm.... I doubt I would have been allowed to see you again Mama < 04Molly > Martha: Master morgan, you do not believe he will pursue her for that part now, without the ship? < 08@Morgan > no. He will not < 04Molly > ~martha looks very relieved < 04Molly > Thank goodness! You might still make a good marriage yet, you are still a very beautiful, charming girl... and you are not much older than I was when I was married, only a few years... *she smiles* < 04Molly > Mama, I do not want to be married.... How did you and father meet? * @Morgan drinks his tea * Molly looks very quickly at Morgan with a little smile that shows that regardless of her reluctance, this is a much preferable conversation than her mothers < 04Molly > Martha: Ah Moll, tis all long ago... In fact I think most of it has been untold. *she smiles at Molly* However, I suppose I couldtell it, if it would not bore Master Morgan * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > not at all < 04Molly > Martha: well then *she closes her eyes a moment* this was back when I was 14, which is... *she winks at Morgan* _many_ years ago. I worked in the laundry room for the Granger family in northern Avalon. I'd been there a year when Laura came, and she married Arthur, the eldest son. I did not know them well, but after a year, they had a little boy, also called Arthur. Quickly the marriage turned sour, and I often found myself watching over the bairn whilst they argued over his many mistresses. He was, in all truth, a brute, and she often spent days in bed with arnica for the bruising < 04Molly > watching over the bairn whilst they argued over his many mistresses. He was, in all truth, a brute, and she often spent days in bed with arnica for the bruising * Molly looks at Morgan, watching his reaction * @Morgan sips his tea < 04Molly > Martha: After 3 years, Arthur grew in to a lovely little sandy haired boy, and his fathers behaviour was rapidly affecting his son. One day, Laura found bruises on the poor boy, and begged my help < 04Molly > She sent me to some forsaken little port *she grins* on the southern Avalon coast, and taking Arthur with me, we waited several weeks before she arrived. She left me 20 guilders, and they boarded a ship, and I never heard of them again. Strangely, it is said that the husband threw himself from the cliffs when he knew they were gone, though I've always wondered.... * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > You think she killed him, Mama? < 04Molly > Martha: Oh quite possibly. Anyway, I was then here in Tawstock, no family, no friends. It was then I spotted your father in the tavern, and I instantly was smitten. Oh dont pull that disbeleieving face my girl.... He was once a very handsome man. I heard he was hoping to buy a set of fields, and I bought the centre one. It cost me almost every cent, but it got his attention, and eventually, when I would accept nothing to buy it from me, my tenancity won his love, and we were married < 04Molly > it from me, my tenancity won his love, and we were married * Molly smiles < 04Molly > That is a lovely story mama < 04Molly > Martha: This is why I believe it is dangerous to hold something a man wants... sometimes it pays off, and other times it doesnt < 04Molly > ~martha smiles at Morgan < 04Molly > I am sorry, Master Morgan, I hope it was not too boring < 08@Morgan > not in the slightest < 04Molly > ~martha smiles slightly sadly < 04Molly > Martha: It is hard to believe I was once so bold, so determined, is it not? < 08@Morgan > I dont think so... I think Molly reflects you in many ways < 04Molly > ~ the two women look at each other < 04Molly > I am not as determined or bold as Mama was, for I would never seek a man's attentions that way, I would be too shy < 04Molly > ~Martha laughs < 04Molly > Martha: It would be your sweetness and innocence that would earn you them. < 08@Morgan > I rather agree on that < 04Molly > Martha: what works for one woman will not work for all... you must find your own way, and I'm sure you shall. Now, Master Morgan, we have spoken a great deal, so please, do things go well upon the estate? < 08@Morgan > except for this rather distasteful infestation we seem to have, things progress as normal... < 04Molly > Martha: Perhaps my husband would aid you in the removal of the problem from Tawstock, for he has a particular distaste for non-Avalonians * Molly sips her tea quietly < 08@Morgan > their being foreign is not the issue... indeed, prejudice based entirely on nationality is bigoted to say the least. It is more their actions and attitudes while here that is the issue < 04Molly > Martha: I am inclined to agree *she suddenly looks a little guilty for contradicting her husband* I think perhaps he would shoot the Colonel happily for what has been done to Moll though < 08@Morgan > I cant say I'd be particularly perturbed by that * Molly looks at the floor < 04Molly > I would not have anyone shot on my behalf < 04Molly > ~Martha looks at Molly < 08@Morgan > he deserves to be shot < 04Molly > Martha: Master Morgan is correct. He has treated you in a most disgraceful manner. I am only thankful that you were engaged and could not get yourself in to trouble by falling in love with this Colonel. * Molly stands, and goes to get the tea pot, leaving the two of them a moment < 04Molly > Martha: I believe I owe you thanks for that also < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > She has obvilously had good friends and careful watching to keep her out of harms way < 08@Morgan > I've tried. I fear that her contact with the Colonel could have been avoided entirely were it not for... personal matters I attended to < 04Molly > ~Martha looks guilty < 04Molly > No, her father should have.... he should never have let her go < 08@Morgan > I dont think there's a power on Theah strong enough to have stopped her < 04Molly > Martha: She will calm, with age, and when settled... it happens to the best of us < 04Molly > ~Martha stands, with a smile and a curtsey < 04Molly > Martha: will you excuse me a moment, Master Morgan? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > ~Martha goes out of the room < 04Molly > ~To be continued~